Plumbing Technology

A student welds a pipe in the Plumbing shop at QHS.Plumbing Technology

Plumbing remains a dynamic and in-demand career with vast opportunities. The Plumbing Technology program at QHS integrates classroom learning with practical experience, covering construction safety, material handling, plumbing regulations, and the latest green technologies. Students gain proficiency in repairing and servicing plumbing and fuel gas systems, all with an emphasis on work readiness. Upon completion, students are equipped to pursue entry-level positions as apprentice plumbers, sprinkler fitters, pipefitters, steamfitters, or pipelayers.

Post-Graduate Opportunities

Massachusetts State licensing requires a 5-year plumbing apprenticeship under a master plumber's supervision, accompanied by 550 hours of classroom training. QPS students earn 110 theory hours and 445 hours of hands-on experience, setting them on the path to becoming licensed journeyman plumbers or pursuing other specialized roles.

Careers

There are five generally identified plumbing trades:

  • Pipelayers install clay, concrete, and metal pipes for drains, sewers, and mains.

  • Plumbers install water and waste piping and fixtures.

  • Pipefitters install high- and low-pressure piping used in manufacturing, heating and cooling, and power generation.

  • Steamfitters install high-pressure piping systems.

  • Sprinkler fitters install automatic fire-prevention systems.

Sixty-four percent of plumbers work for plumbing, heating, or air conditioning contractors. Ten percent are self-employed. The rest work in construction, manufacturing, or for the government. Plumbers may find their skills transferrable to a wide range of non-traditional industries including green technologies.

Average Salary

As you progress in your plumbing career, your earnings will grow. In Massachusetts, the average salary for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $84,090. Apprentices start with an average of $41,116, and wages increase with experience and licensing. Industries such as power offer even higher average earnings, reaching $91,450.

Industry/Career Outlook

The plumbing industry is poised for growth, with a projected 5% increase in employment over the next decade. Those with sprinkler fitter expertise will find excellent opportunities as building codes increasingly mandate fire suppression systems.

With additional training and experience, numerous career paths open up, including licensed journeyman plumber, master plumber, project foreman, plumbing inspector, and roles in engineering, construction management, and education.

Equipment/Software Training

Students learn to operate and use a variety of power and hand tools. Also taught are basic business management skills.

Certifications/Licenses

  • OSHA C10 Construction, Safety & Health 10 Hours

  • Plumbing Tier 1 - Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gasfitters

  • Hot Work Safety Certificate Program

  • Tracpipe / Counterstrike Certificate (CSST) (Gas Piping)

  • Certificate of Occupational Proficiency –Plumbing Technology

  • Hours toward state license

Recommended Course of Study

Grade 9

  • English

  • Foreign Language

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Social Studies

  • Physical Education

  • Pathways

  • 1 Elective Course

Grade 10

  • English

  • Foreign Language

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Social Studies

  • Physical Education

  • Plumbing Technology 1

Grade 11

  • English

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Social Studies

  • Physical Education

  • Plumbing Technology 2

Grade 12

  • English

  • Social Studies

  • Physical Education

  • Plumbing Technology 3

  • 2 Elective Courses